Internship at United Nations Information Centre (UNIC)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Information Centres (UNICs) are part of the Department of Global Communications, which plays a crucial role in the UN's mission to connect with people globally and share the UN's narrative in various languages. These centres are instrumental in disseminating information about the UN's work and fostering public understanding and support for its objectives. UNICs operate in multiple countries, serving as primary sources of information about the UN system and engaging with media, educational institutions, governments, and civil society organizations.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut, within the Information Centres Service (ICS) of the Department of Global Communication (DGC). The internship is designed to last for three months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional three months, totaling a maximum of six months. The internship is unpaid and can be either full-time or part-time, depending on the intern's academic commitments. Interns are expected to work five days a week for full-time positions (35 hours) or three days a week for part-time positions (21 hours). The internship is primarily in-person, but remote work options may be available on a case-by-case basis. Interns will be supervised by the Outreach Assistant and other staff members, and their daily responsibilities will vary based on their background and the specific office they are assigned to.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the OIC and/or PIO. Responsibilities may include assisting in drafting media advisories, press releases, press reviews, talking points, statements, and news stories in both English and Arabic. Interns will also contribute to content creation for UNIC Beirut's website and social media platforms, providing media support for events and campaigns organized by UNIC Beirut. Additional duties may involve organizing press conferences, meetings, briefings, and other public relations events, as well as taking photos and videos for media coverage and archiving. Interns may also be required to assist with other ad-hoc activities as directed by their supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is desirable, as is the ability to design surveys and polls. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant academic program must be provided with the application. An official certificate may be required at a later stage to confirm eligibility.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This may include experience in communications, public relations, international relations, or related fields that demonstrate the applicant's preparedness for the tasks involved in the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required for this internship. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will be crucial for the intern's success in the role.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Lebanon may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.